A new species of Odontobuthus from Southern Iran

 

More Christmas species. Hossein Barahoei and Mehran Shahi just published a description of a new species of Odontobuthus Vachon, 1950 (Buthidae) from Southern Iran.

Odontobuthus persicus Barahoei & Shahi, 2024

The article has an updated identification key for the genus.

Abstract:
Odontobuthus Vachon, 1950, with nine described species, is a genus of digger scorpions in the Buthidae family, which can be distinguished by having large tooth-like processes on the ventrosubmedian carinae of the second and third metasomal segments. Morphological and molecular investigation of coastal specimens from the Hormozgan province in Iran led to the discovery of a new species named Odontobuthus persicus sp. nov. that is described here. It is closely related to O. chabaharensis morphologically. The new Odontobuthus species has two large and conical tooth-like processes on ventrosubmedian carinae of the second and third metasomal segments, while O. chabaharensis has three or four medium to large tooth-like processes. Based on phylogenetic analysis using partial COI sequences, the new species is placed as a sister taxon of O. brevidigitus. Genetic differences with the other species of Odontobuthus (mean = 0.107) confirmed the validity of this species.

Reference:
Barahoei H, Shahi M. New Species of the Digger Scorpions, Odontobuthus Vachon, 1950 (Buthidae) from Southern Iran. Zoological Studies. 2024;63(48). [Open Access]

Thanks to Kian for sharing this article with me!

Family Buthidae

Two new species in the genus Scorpio have been described from Southeastern Turkey

 

No Christmas holiday for scorpion news! Happy Seasons Greetings everyone! 

Ersen Yagmur and co-workers recently published an article describing two new species of Scorpio Linnaeus, 1758 (Scorpionidae) from Southeastern Turkey.

Scorpio karakurti Yagmur, 2024

Scorpio Sirnakensis Yagmur, 2024

Abstract:
Two new species, Scorpio karakurti sp.n. and S. sirnakensis sp.n. are described and illustrated from the Southеastеrn region of Turkey. S. karakurti sp.n. is detected from Batman and Diyarbakır provinces and can be distinguished from all species of the genus Scorpio by its higher pectinal teeth numbers, especially in males (10–11 in females and 11–15 in males). S. sirnakensis sp.n is detected from Şırnak province and can be distinguished by elongated chela and telson shape and genital operculum shape of females. The new species are compared with the known species of the genus Scorpio Linnaeus, 1758 in the Middle East.

Reference:
Yagmur EA, Hussen FS, Karakurt S, Kurt R, Sipahioglu Ö, Kartal I. Two new species of the genus Scorpio L., 1758 from Southеastеrn Turkey (Scorpiones: Scorpionidae). Arthropoda Selecta. 2024;33(4):559-89. [Open Access]

Thanks to Ersen for sending me their new article!

Family Scorpionidae

 

A new species of Scorpiops from Yunnan in China

 

Tonight, Victoria Tang published a description of a new species of Scorpiops Peters, 1861 (Scorpiopidae) from Yunnan, China.

Scorpiops reini Tang, 2024

In my opinion, a very beautiful and interesting scorpions, but then again I'm probably not objective when I'm writing this ;) 

Abstract:
Scorpiops reini sp. n. is described from Yingjiang County (Dehong Prefecture, Yunnan Province) based on an adult pair. It can be readily discriminated from all of its congeneric geographic neighbors in Yunnan, namely S. jendeki Kovařík, 1994, S. shidian (Zhu et al., 2005), S. tongtongi Tang, 2022, and S. zhangshuyuani (Ythier, 2019). Within Yunnan, it resembles S. validus (Di et al., 2010) and S. yangi (Zhu et al., 2007) most, but can be identified by its large median ocelli (relative to the width of ocular subislet), pedipalp chelal finger morphology and pectinal tooth count. Beyond Yunnan, it shows the highest similarity with S. beccaloniae (Kovařík, 2005), from which it distinguishes itself mainly by a different chelal morphology (weaker finger lobe and notch, longer and narrower manus with chelal carinae composed of smaller and denser granules). The validity of this new species is supported molecularly (to be published). The ocular islets are reviewed for all Yunnan Scorpiops.

Reference:
Tang V. Scorpiops reini sp. n. from Yunnan, China (Scorpiones: Scorpiopidae). Euscorpius. 2024(403):1-19.

A big thanks to Victoria for naming this species after me!

Family Scorpiopidae

An Algerian Buthus seen preying on a solifugid

 

Scorpions prey on a large variety of other invertebrates and even on some small vertebrates. Camel spiders (Solifugae) is another fierce arachnid predator inhabiting the same habitats as many scorpions. These two arachnids probably prey on each other when they have the opportunity. 

Noureddine Benali and co-workers recently published a case of natural predation on a solifugid by Buthus apiatus Lourenço, El Bouhissi & Sadine, 2020 (Buthidae) in North-western Algeria.

Abstract:
During nighttime in Aïn Deheb, Tiaret region (North-western Algeria). An adult female of the buthid scorpion Buthus apiatus Lourenço, El Bouhiss i& Sadine, 2020 was observed feeding on an adult Galeodessp.Such observation can contribute to the knowledge of the trophic ecology ofthis scorpion species.

Reference:
Benali N, Elkahar FMA, Boukhors AH. Natural case of predation on Camel spider (Arachnida: Solifugae) by the scorpion Buthus apiatus Lourenço, El Bouhissi & Sadine, 2020 (Arachnida: Scorpiones) in Tiaret, North-western Algeria. Revista Iberica de Arachnologia. 2024(45):159-60. [Open Access provided by author]

Thanks to Noureddine for sharing this article with me!

A new species in the genus Tityus from Colombia is also South America's first venom spraying scorpion

 

A very interesting article was recently published by Leo Laborieux. In this article he describes a new species of Tityus C. L. Koch, 1836 (Buthidae) from Colombia, which is the first venom spraying scorpion reported from South America.

Tityus achilles Laborieux, 2024

Venom spraying has been well documented for several scorpion species as a defense behavior and especially in the African genus Parabuthus (e.g. Parabuthus transvaalicus Purcell, 1899). Interestingly, the new species from Colombia seems to have to types of venom spraying that have different venom use: Flick and Spray. The article discusses the different behaviors and the use of prevenom (cheap) and venom (costly) in T. achilles and compares this to the existing research on venom spraying in Parabuthus. This article brings in new insight into the composition of scorpion venom(s) and the use of it.

Abstract:
Venom is a metabolically expensive secretion used sparingly in a variety of ecological contexts, most notably predation and defence. Accordingly, few animals employ their toxins from a distance, and venom-squirting behaviour is only known from select taxa. In scorpions, species belonging to two genera are known to spray venom when threatened, and previous work in Parabuthus transvaalicus shows that venom delivery depends on perceived levels of threat. Here, I describe Tityus (Tityus) achilles sp. nov., a new species of buthid scorpion from Cundinamarca, Colombia. Remarkably, this species is capable of venom spraying, a first for both the genus and the South American continent. Using frame-by-frame video analysis and ballistic equations, I show that T. (Tityus) achilles sp. nov. employs not one, but two types of airborne defences with dramatic differences in reach and venom expenditure. Further, the new species uses an unusually large reserve of prevenom-like secretion for spraying, as opposed to the costly venom used by other spraying scorpions. In light of these key specializations, I propose that toxungen spraying convergently evolved in response to different selection pressures, laying the groundwork for future investigation.

Reference:
Laborieux L. Biomechanics of venom delivery in South America’s first toxungen-spraying scorpion. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 2024;202(4):zlae161. [Full text supplied by author]

Thanks to Leo and Gerard for sending me this interesting article!

Family Buthidae

Four new species of Neobuthus described from Somaliland

 

In their ongoing study of the scorpion fauna of the Horn of Africa, Frantisek Kovarik and co-workers recently published a new article describing four new species of Neobuthus Hirst, 1911(Buthidae) from Somaliland.

 Neobuthus dhobo Kovarik, Elmi & Stahlavsky, 2024

 Neobuthus opatovae Kovarik, Elmi & Stahlavsky, 2024

 Neobuthus osoli Kovarik, Elmi & Stahlavsky, 2024

 Neobuthus verae Kovarik, Elmi & Stahlavsky, 2024

The article includes an updated identification key for the genus.

Abstract:
New information about taxonomy and distribution of the genus Neobuthus Hirst, 1911 is presented, based on material recently collected in Somaliland. Four new species are described, N. dhobo sp. n., N. opatovae sp. n., N. osoli sp. n., and N. verae sp. n (Somaliland). An updated distribution map of the genus Neobuthus is provided.

Reference:
Kovarik F, Elmi HSA, Stahlavsky F. Scorpions of the Horn of Africa (Arachnida, Scorpiones). Part XXXIV. Four new species of Neobuthus from Somaliland (Buthidae). Euscorpius. 2024(401):1-31. [Open Access]

Family Buthidae

A review of fossil scorpion higher systematics

 

The Scorpion Files doesn't include fossil scorpion taxa. I know this has been wanted by some, but so far I haven't had capacity to do this. Very recently, Jason Dunlop and Russell Garwood have published an impressive and thorough review of the higher systematics of fossil scorpions.

This paper has a detailed account of the history and development of fossil scorpion taxonomy. It also sums up today's status and comments on future research needs for this important area. A list of all currently known taxa is presented in an appendix. An analysis merging fossil and extant higher systematics is one of the tasks that will improve our understanding of scorpion evolution and systematics.

Abstract:
Scorpions (Arachnida: Scorpiones) are a diverse and widespread arachnid order with a rich and deep fossil record. Here we review the, sometimes complex, historical development of fossil scorpion higher classification. We present a chronological account of family and genus names, together with an overview of higher taxa as potential clade names. In 1884 Thorell & Lindström divided scorpions based on whether the legs were short and pointed (Apoxypoda) or ended in paired claws (Dionychopoda). Pocock in 1911 used the morphology of the ventral mesosomal sclerites, which could either be bilobed (Lobosterni) or of a modern configuration (Orthosterni). Petrunkevitch in 1949 attached importance to a putative first
opisthosomal tergite being present (Protoscorpionina) or absent (Euscorpionina). Kjellesvig-Waering in 1986 recognised four major groups (Holosternina, Meristosternina, Lobosternina and Bilobosternina) based on the shape of the ventral
mesosomal sclerites. The Stockwell/Jeram schemes from the 1980s and 1990s proposed a cladistic progression from early branching lineages, for which the names Protoscorpiones and Palaeoscorpiones were used, towards Scorpiones sensu stricto defined by the presence of book lungs and coxapophyses. Scorpiones was further divided into Mesoscorpionina and Neoscorpionina. Neoscorpions were characterised by a reduced number of lateral eye lenses and comprise the paleosterns, with
marginal lung spiracles, and orthosterns with spiracles in the middle of the sternite. We briefly discuss the merits of these alternatives and present a summary of the current higher classification of scorpions. Forty-three extinct family groups are
currently recognised, and of the 24 living families seven have fossil representatives. Including incertae sedis taxa, there are 76 extinct genera and five extant genera with fossil representatives. Both modern parvorders, Buthida and Iurida, were potentially
present in the Triassic. Buthidae, Chaerilidae, Chactidae and perhaps Hormuridae have been reported from the Cretaceous. Euscorpiidae are known from the Palaeogene and Scorpionidae has potential (but unconfirmed) records from the
Neogene. Given the complexity of this history and the present taxonomy of the group, we hope this contribution provides a first step towards simplifying fossil scorpion systematics.

Reference:
Dunlop JA, Garwood RJ. A review of fossil scorpion higher systematics. PeerJ. 2024;12:e18557. [Open Access]

Updated information about the distribution of the genus Orthochirus in Iran

 

Iran has a high scorpion diversity and is a hotspot for the genus Orthochirus Karsch, 1891 (Buthidae). Ersen Yagmur and co-workers recently published an article with updated information about the distribution of this genus in the country.

Abstract:
New locality records are given belonging to Orthochirus carinatus Navidpour, Kovařík, Soleglad & Fet, 2019 (Alborz Province), O. farzanpayi (Vachon & Farzanpay, 1987) (Fars, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari and Lorestan Provinces), O. formozovi Kovařík, Fet & Yağmur, 2020 (Razavi Khorasan Province), O. gantenbeini Kovařík, Yağmur, Fet & Hussen, 2019 (Lorestan Province), O. iranus Kovařík, 2004 (Bushehr and Khuzestan Provinces), O. kucerai Kovařík & Navidpour, 2020 (Kerman Province), O. mesopotamicus Birula, 1918 (Khuzestan Province), O. navidpouri Kovařík, Yağmur, Fet & Hussen, 2019 (Ilam, Khuzestan and Lorestan Provinces), O. stockwelli (Lourenço & Vachon, 1995) (Fars and Hormozgan Provinces), O. varius Kovařík, 2004 (Fars and Kerman Provinces), O. vignolii Kovařík & Navidpour, 2020 (Yazd Province) and O. zagrosensis Kovařík, 2004 (Fars, Isfahan and Kohgiluyeh and Boyer Ahmad Provinces) in this study. Among them following records are new province records: Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari and Lorestan for O. farzanpayi; Lorestan for O. gantenbeini; Ilam O. navidpouri; Fars for O. stockwelli; Fars and Kerman for O. varius and Isfahan for O.zagrosensis. Also, maps are prepared including new and old distributional localitiesand coloured habitus pictures of reported species of Orthochirus in this study.

Reference:
Yagmur EA, Mozaffari N, Akbari A, Moradi M. Contributions to the scorpion fauna of Iran. Part III. Records of genus Orthochirus Karsch, 1891. Serket. 2024;20(3):236-56. [Open Access]

Thanks to Hisham El-Hennaway for sending me this article!

Redescription of of Scorpio palmatus

 

Scorpio palmatus (Ehrenberg, 1828) (Scorpionidae) has a wide distribution in parts of northern Africa and The Middle East. Ersen Aydın Yağmur and Ahmed Badry have recently published a redescription of a male (the species' neotype) and female specimen of this species.

Abstract:
Scorpio palmatus (Ehrenberg, 1828) is redescribed based on the male neotype and a female specimen from northern Egypt. Illustrations prepared under white and UV lights and measurements are given.

Reference:
Yagmur EA, Badry A. Description of a neotype of Scorpio palmatus (Ehrenberg, 1828) (Scorpiones: Scorpionidae). Serket. 2024;20(3):215-29. [Open Access]

Thanks to Hisham El-Hennaway for sending me this article!

Family Scorpionidae

Review of cavernicolous scorpions in the Balkans

 

Cavernicolous scorpions are fascinating with their choice of habitat and in some cases morphological adaptions. This group of scorpions are usually divided into four categories: Accidentals, trogloxenes, troglophiles, and troglobites. The categories are explained in the introduction of the article mentioned below. It is the two latter categories that have caves as their main habitats, but not all of the scorpions in these groups have troglomorphic traits (e.g. reduced eyes, reduced pigmentation etc.). They who do are true troglobites.

Javier Blasco-Aróstegui and Lorenzo Prendini have recently published a review of cavernicolous scorpions in the Balkans. They have classified the known cavernicolous species into the categories mention above, presented a redescription of the only real troglobitic species, Euscorpius studentium Karaman, 2020, and provided a identification key for the to the identification of cavernicolous scorpions occurring in the Dinaric Karst area.

Abstract:
Cavernicolous scorpions are difficult to collect and study due to their often inaccessible habitats. Some have evolved unique morphological adaptations, known as troglomorphies, including reduced sclerotization and pigmentation, reduction and/or loss of eyes, attenuation and elongation of the appendages, which assist them to thrive in dark, humid and low-energy input environments. Cavernicolous scorpions are classified into accidentals, trogloxenes, troglophiles, and troglobites. The Balkans, and particularly the Dinaric Karst region, host a diverse cave-adapted fauna, including scorpions. Despite an 1895 report of a blind scorpion from Bosnia and Herzegovina, the first truly troglobitic European scorpion, Euscorpius studentium Karaman, 2020, was only described a few years ago, based on two immature specimens. In the present contribution, this unique species is redescribed based on the first adult specimens; the ecological classification of all currently known cavernicolous Euscorpiidae Laurie, 1896, is updated; a key to the identification of cavernicolous scorpions occurring in the Dinaric Karst is provided; and the historical and geographical factors affecting the distribution and conservation of cavernicolous scorpions in the Balkans is reviewed.

Reference:
Blasco-Aróstegui J, Prendini L. Redescription of Euscorpius studentium Based on Adult Specimens; Updated Classification of Cavernicolous Euscorpiidae; and Review of Cavernicolous Scorpions in the Balkans. Diversity. 2024;16(12):737. [Open Access]

Thanks to Gerard Dupre and Siegfried Huber for informing me about this article!